Teach Yourself Guitar in 2024 with these 5 proven tips to avoid common pitfalls, boost progress, and learn faster as a self-taught guitarist.
Did you know that 90% of people trying to learn guitar quit within the first year? The odds are even worse for self-taught guitarists. But don’t lose hope! With seven years of self-taught experience, I went from knowing nothing to playing confidently—all using free online resources. Here are my top five tips to help you beat the 90% dropout statistic and fast-track your guitar journey.
Table of contents
Tip 1: Use YouTube and Songsterr—Skip Paid Apps
You don’t need expensive apps like Yousician or Simply Guitar. YouTube and Songsterr are completely free and incredibly effective tools for learning guitar.
My Process:
- Find a YouTube Video of the song, riff, or chord you want to learn. This helps internalize the rhythm and melody early on.
- Watch a YouTube Tutorial from creators like Gareth Evans, Paul Davids, or Marty Music to break down the song.
- Use Songsterr for Tabs if a tutorial isn’t available. Songsterr offers accurate tabs with playback features, but always cross-reference with a performance video to ensure accuracy.
Tip 2: No Gear? No Problem!
As a beginner, it’s tempting to buy a ton of gear. However, you don’t need expensive equipment right away:
- No Tuner? Use free apps like GuitarTuna.
- No Electric Guitar? Start with an acoustic until you’re sure you want to continue learning.
- No Picks or Capos? Start with fingerstyle playing for dexterity, and make a DIY capo with a pencil and rubber bands if needed.
Tip 3: Just Play Something
Don’t get caught up in learning the “right” thing first. The most important step is simply having the guitar in your hands. Here’s what you should do:
- Observe Good Technique: Pay attention to how experienced players hold the guitar and their wrist positioning.
- Practice Anything: It doesn’t matter what you learn first; whether it’s a simple riff or a chord, just keep playing.
Consistency in playing, even if it’s not perfect, is key to developing muscle memory and improving your skills.
Tip 4: Set a Schedule and SMART Goals
Your progress will look like an upward curve at first, but then you’ll hit “the hump”—a phase where improvement feels slow and practice becomes tedious. Here’s how to overcome it:
- Create a Schedule: This could be as simple as 30 minutes a day or an hour every other day. Consistency is more important than duration.
- Set SMART Goals:
- Specific: Learn a specific song or scale.
- Measurable: Track your progress with benchmarks.
- Attainable: Set realistic targets to avoid burnout.
- Relevant: Align your goals with your preferred playing style.
- Time-bound: Set a deadline to keep yourself motivated.
Read More : How to Play Electric Guitar Quietly — Anytime, Anywhere!
Tip 5: Make It Fun
This is the most crucial tip. If you enjoy playing, you’re more likely to stick with it. Here’s how to keep it fun:
- Learn Songs You Love: Focus on songs and riffs that excite you instead of only practicing scales or theory.
- Keep Your Guitar Visible: Place it in an accessible spot to encourage frequent play.
- Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself: Adjust your goals based on your progress and mood. When practice feels fun, push yourself. When it feels burdensome, ease up to prevent burnout.
Bonus Gear Tip: As you advance, consider investing in a Looper Pedal. It’s a great tool for jamming with yourself, making practice sessions more creative and enjoyable.
Read more : Do High-End Guitars Deliver Better Sound? Let’s Find Out!
Conclusion
Self-teaching guitar can be challenging, but with these tips, you’ll have a clear path to progress. Stick with it, make it fun, and you’ll be part of the 10% who succeed beyond the first year. Good luck on your guitar journey!